Steve Smith's explosive Big Bash League form has propelled the Sydney Sixers into the championship decider, following a comprehensive victory over the defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in Friday night's challenger match.
Smith's Masterclass Seals Sixers' Final Berth
The Australian batting maestro delivered yet another match-winning performance, striking 65 runs from just 43 deliveries to become the Sixers' top-scorer for the fifth consecutive game this season. His commanding innings formed the backbone of Sydney's imposing total of 8-198, which proved insurmountable for the Hurricanes who were dismissed for 141.
Sixers Set for Perth Showdown
This emphatic victory has earned the Sydney Sixers a trip to Western Australia, where they will face the Perth Scorchers in Sunday night's Big Bash League grand final. The stage is now set for a thrilling championship showdown between two of the competition's most formidable teams.
Contrasting Fortunes for Competing Sides
The Hurricanes entered the crucial encounter hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Nathan Ellis due to a hamstring injury, while the Sixers demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the abrupt departure of Babar Azam to international duties with Pakistan.
Daniel Hughes, celebrating his 100th BBL appearance, made a memorable contribution with a six - something Babar Azam failed to achieve in any of his final six innings for the Sixers. Even Hughes' dismissal for 13 runs meant he had surpassed seven of his predecessor's 12 batting totals from earlier in the summer.
Smith's Innings Breakdown
Smith immediately stamped his authority on the match, launching consecutive boundaries off Riley Meredith (who finished with 3-52) during the second over. The lone six of his innings soared into the Brewongle Stand off Will Prestwidge, though it didn't quite match the altitude of his previous SCG effort that landed on the grandstand roof.
The right-handed batsman expertly exploited the area behind the stumps, particularly targeting the third man region with precision. He registered his third half-century of the tournament with a perfectly executed cut shot that bounced once before racing to the backward point boundary.
Power Surge Drama
Rishad Hossain (2-33) eventually claimed Smith's wicket during the power surge, where the Australian had previously excelled by scoring a century in his last Sydney appearance. Smith's attempted reverse sweep resulted in a mistimed shot that saw him bowled in the 13th over, which concluded with Moises Henriques departing for 19.
Early Breakthroughs and Smith's Dominance
Billy Stanlake (2-46) made significant early inroads for the Hurricanes, dismissing both new opener Daniel Hughes (13) and number three batsman Josh Philippe (15) before they could establish substantial partnerships with Smith. However, even the tall Hurricanes quick couldn't contain Smith's assault, conceding consecutive boundaries during the power surge.
Unusual Start to the Contest
The beginning of Friday's crucial encounter experienced a brief delay as magenta-coloured smoke from pre-match pyrotechnics lingered over the Sydney Cricket Ground, creating an unusual visual spectacle before the serious cricket commenced.
The Sydney Sixers now prepare for their championship showdown against the Perth Scorchers, carrying the momentum of Steve Smith's exceptional form and a comprehensive team performance that has positioned them perfectly for BBL glory.
